Thailand’s Top 13 Cleanest Beaches Given Five Star Status

Thirteen Thai beaches have been awarded five-star status following a study by Thailand’s Pollution Control Department, which evaluated the quality of the coastal and marine environment at beaches throughout the country.

The department evaluated beaches according to the following four criteria:

Plastic and oil pollution and residue;

Coastal and beach trash management;

Condition of reefs and national park resources;

Environmental control, and tourism management.

Not surprisingly, none of these beaches are lined with the five-star resorts that Thailand is famous for. Does the lack of well-developed tourism infrastructure have anything to do with their high rankings?

Many of these beaches are, in fact located in national parks, which are well-managed and closed off during the off season, which allows for natural rejuvenation of the environment.

For the intrepid ecotourist, however, exotic flora and fauna, stunning scenery, fantastic snorkeling, amazing treks, and a chance to reconnect with nature – far off the well-beaten tourism track – awaits.

The following 13 beaches are listed in alphabetical order.

Ao Ka Beach in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani – one of the many beaches that dot the 30 plus islands of the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, which is situated off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand, northwest of Koh Samui.

Ao Kuek Beach in Mu Ko Similan National Park, Phang-nga – an archipelago of 11 islands in Phang Nga Province with rich marine life. With clear waters, it is considered one of the world’s best dive sites.

Ao Manao in Prachuap Khiri Khan – a bay on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand. With a good beach, Ao Manao is a popular tourist destination under the supervision of the 5th Aviation Division.

Bileh Beach in Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi – there are mangrove forests and caves. Activities include trekking, snorkeling, and canoeing.

Ko Rok Beach in Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Krabi – a marine park comprising several islands covered with rugged hills and rain forests. There are white sand beaches and excellent trails. Activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. Sea gypsies set boats a drift during the full moon of June and November to drive out evil and bring good luck.

Laem Sala Beach in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan – Thailand’s first national park, it has a series of limestone hills, the tallest of which soars 605 metres above the Andaman Sea. Attractions include several caves, including Phraya Nakhon Cave, with its royal pavilion and huge chambers.

Li Di Beach in Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Satun – this sampan shaped island has a long coastline with several off-shore islands. There are steep mountains, valleys, plains, beaches, and coral.

Mai Ngam Beach in Mo Ko Surin National Park, Phang-nga – the park is divided into two sections: one has a mountain range and the other has a beach. The park is famous for its water falls, the largest of which is 40 metres, or 130 feet, high.

Thai Mueang Beach in Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park, Phang-nga – one of the primary goals of the park is to protect the nesting sites of two species of turtles. Other activities include long boat trips into the mangrove forests.

Toei Ngam Beach in Sattahip – with a tranquil beach as well as a naval museum and monument, the beach is under the supervision of the Royal Thai Navy, Chon Buri.

The project was launched in 2002, and 390 Thai beaches have been evaluated so far.

Best Beaches for Tourists

Interestingly, none of these beaches in the Pollution Control Department’s cleanest beaches in Thailand list made the TripAdvisor list of top beaches in Asia.

All but the most hard-core ecotourists with a genuine commitment to responsible travel might prefer to stay at a hotel or a resort overlooking a beach that is a bit more accessible with some of the requisite facilities and comforts that most travelers expect.

These five beaches made the top 25 list of Asia’s best beaches according to TripAdvisor.com users, offering, perhaps, the best of both worlds: